THE prime suspect in the Suzy Lamplugh case today taunted her family as he denied killing the estate agent - and said cops won't find anything in the search of his mum's old garden.

John Cannan spoke out as cops enter day five of the search in Sutton Coldfield, West Mids., to find the body of the 25-year-old who went missing 32 years ago.

Cannan spoke via his solicitor Matthew Claughton from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for murdering Bristol newlywed Shirley Banks.

Mr Claughton said: "John Cannan continues to deny involvement in the 1986 disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh.

"Mr Cannan hopes that the search of his mother's former home will conclude swiftly so as to bring to an end speculation as to his involvement in this matter."

Ms Lamplugh was declared dead, presumed murdered, after going missing in 1986, after leaving her West London offices to meet a mystery client known only as "Mr Kipper".

Cannan was named by police as their prime suspect in 2002 and Miss Lamplugh's death has remained one of the UK's most notorious cold cases.

Three days before her disappearance, Cannan had been released from a hostel at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, where he served a six-year sentence for rape.

He was also connected to the case due to his strong resemblance to an e-fit of her abductor and, according to reports, he was nicknamed Kipper while serving his earlier sentence.

The Met Police are leading the search at the West Midlands property that was formerly owned by his mum Sheila Cannan.

A relative revealed earlier this week he would not "reveal his secrets" until the dementia-suffering 96-year-old died, as he wouldn't want to "upset her".

Cops have so far dismantled a car garage at the rear of the garden and used angle grinders to dig through its concrete base. Patio slabs have also been removed.

The home was purchased in 1992 from Mrs Cannan by the Carey family, who the Met stressed are in no way directly connected to the investigation.

Phillip Carey, an insurance marketer and father of two, has said the search has been "surreal".

"Either (the property) is eliminated from it entirely or, if there is something found, it's closure for the family, and this tragic story can come to an end," the 52-year-old added.

Police carried out investigations at the address in 2003, following a case review in 2000, but did not dig up the garden.

Jim Dickie, the detective superintendent who led the inquiry between 2000 and 2006, confirmed that his officers did not excavate or perform an "extensive" search of the home.

Phillip Carey, 52, who bought the semi-detached house from Cannan's mother in 1992, said: "It's strange that the investigation could potentially go into next week.

"I'm not sure what stage the investigation is at but it's obviously taking longer than first thought.

"I'm praying that it will be done soon."